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DUKE 
UNIVERSITY 


DIVINITY SCHOOL 
LIBRARY 


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DR. BUCKMINSTER’S 


DISCOURSE 


AT THE 


ORDINATION OF HIS SON, 


AN. 30, 1805. 


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(oO Pee Kn 


Ce ee Lok Te a” oe aaa CCR Tp tty Fe 
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A 


DISCOURSE, 


. DELIVERED AT THE 


ORDINATION 


OF THE 


Rev. JOSEPH S, BUCKMINSTER, 


To THE 
PASTORAL CHARGE 


OF THE 


CHURCH IN BRATTLE-STREET, BOSTON. 


—et os 
BY JOSEPH BUCKMINSTER, D.D. 
PASTOR OF THE NORTH CHURCH, PORTSMOUTH, N.X. 


et Ss ee 


a a a a aS ea eae ene 


GIVING NO OFFENCE IN ANY THING, THAT THE MINISTRY 
BE NOT BLAMED. 


Boston : 
PRINTED FOR YOUNG if MINNS, PRINTERS TO THE STATE, 


—+o— 


: 1805. 


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A 


DISCOURSE, &. 


~ 


TITUS, 2d CHap. part of the 15th Verse. 


LET NO MAN DESPISE THEE. 


Tus laconic sentence, from the pen of Paul the 
aged, is addressed to Titus, his own son after the 
common faith. It closes an important paragraph in 
a series of inspired counsel and admonition, in which 
the affection of a parent is happily mingled with the fi- 
delity of an Apostle. It contemplates Titus in the 
character of a young minister, or evangelist, left by the 
Apostle “‘at Crete, to set in order the things that were 
wanting, and to ordain Elders in every city.” With 
an eye to his whole ministerial duty and deportment 
in this important station, the Apostle says: ‘‘ Let no 
man despise thee.” 


To explain, illustrate, and enforce this parental and 
apostolic charge, will be the business of the ensuing 
attempt; which, if it be executed with any degree of 
discretion and fidelity, may lead into a train of reflec- 
tion not unsuited to the solemnities of the day, nor 
unworthy the serious consideration of those, who are 
“set for the defence of the gospel,” whose first de- 
sire it must be, as it is their highest honour, “‘ to mag- 
nify their office.” For the success of this attempt, the 


516489 


6 


—= 


gracious presence and aid of that glorious Being are 
devoutly solicited, ‘“‘who walks in the midst of his 
’ golden candlesticks, and holds the stars in his right 

hand ;” and may your attendant aspirations ‘‘ hold up 
my hands.” 


The language of our text, though resembling that 
of a mercurial son of honour, giving instruction to his 
pupils to repel every indignity, and revenge every in- 
sult, must not be supposed to concur with his in im- 
port, to be dictated by the same spirit, nor to coun- 
tenance, in the remotest degree, that infuriate method 
of repelling disgrace. Such a supposition would be 
utterly inconsistent with the spirit and genius of the 
gospel; with the meekness and gentleness of Christ ; 
and with his express charge to his disciples, as they 
would support any claim of relationship to him, “to 
forgive their enemies, bless their persecutors, and 
pray for those, that loaded them with curses.?’ 


Neither can we suppose that the Apostle could be-. 
tray so much ignorance of human nature, as to imag- 
ine, that any character could faithfully discharge the 
duties of the Christian ministry, and escape the open 
obloquy, or affected contempt of those, to whom “a 
crucified Saviour is a stumbling block, and the 
preaching of the cross foolishness.”” ‘The Apostle’s 
own experience, in unison with that of his brother. 
Apostles, and of their divine Master, forbid our im. 
puting to him such an imagination. 


The obvious import of the words of the text, the 
spirit of the Apostle’s charge, is; that in the whole 
circle of ministerial duty, in the diversified offices of 
his elevated station, Titus should so acquit himself, 


7 


——— 


as to give no just occasion for the blush of friends, or 
the contempt of enemies ; but that in ail things, he 
should ‘“‘ study to shew himself approved unto God, a 
workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly di- 
viding the word of truth.” 


No wounds more deeply affect ingenuous minds, 
than those, which are made by the shafts of contempt ; 
yet these fester and corrode in propertion as those shafts 
are pointed by our own imprudence, or barbed by a 
series of inexcusable improprieties. To expect the 
faithful minister of Jesus Christ to escape censure and 
contempt from the infidel, the ignorant, and the im- 
moral, whose hearts and lives are at war with Heaven, 
and whose ears are closed to the counsels of wisdom, is 
a utopian expectation. This is a part of the affliction of 
the gospel, of which those must expect to partake, who 
are invested with its honours. Our divine Master, 
foreseeing this trial, prevents us with a cordial suited 
to itsnature. ‘‘ Blessed are ye when men shall revile 
you, and persecute you, and say all manner of evil 
against you, falsely, for my sake. Rejoice and be 
exceeding glad, for great is your reward in heaven.” 
All that is enjoined, and the most that can be expect- 
ed from a minister of the gospel is, that there should 
be nothing in his public duty, or private walk, that 
can merit the pity of the pious, or the contempt of the. 
profane. This every minister is bound to attempt 
with the utmost circumspection, as he would fulfil his 
ministry, and preserve it from blame. 


Beside many other considerations, the dignity of his 
ollice, the elevation of his station, and the design 
and influence of the Christian ministry, enforce this 
upon him with powerful energy. 


54 Gi&S3 


8 


——————— 


However the ministry be esteemed in the world, it 
is of divine appointment. It is an important branch of 
the glorious plan of grace, concerted in the councils of 
heaven, for counteracting the designs of Satan,and. re 
covering sinners from the degradations of the apostacy 
to glory, honour, and immortality. 


The levitical priesthood was of divine ils: 
‘ment. ‘*No man took that honour upon himself, but 
he that was called of God, as was Aaron.” But that 
_ ministry necessarily partook of the darkness and im- 

perfection of the dispensation, to which it belonged. 

The gospel ministry excels that in dignity, i in propor- 
tion to the increased light, spirituality, and extent of 
the dispensation, of which it is a part. The Apostle 
justifies this idea, when he says :. “ If the ministration 
of death was glorious, shall not the ministration of the 
Spirit be rather glorious ? For if that which was done 
away was glorious, much more that which remaineth 
is glorious.” 


The appointment of the gospel ministry we trace to 
the Lord Jesus Christ. In his mysterious person 
‘* dwelt all the fulness of the godhead bodily;” and to 
him as Mediator, and head over all things to the 
church, all power in heaven and on earth is committed. 
Having chosen his disciples, and taken them under his 
personal instruction, during his public ministry im the 
world, when he was about to leave it, he commis- 
sioned them, saying; ‘‘As the Father sent me into 
the world, even so send I you into the world.” After 
his resurrection, he renewed their commission in 
terms, that forbid our limiting it to his extraordinary 
messengers. ‘‘ Go into all the world, and preach the 


9 

gospel to every creature ;—disciple all nations, baptiz- 
ing them in the name of the Father, of the Son, and 
of the Holy Ghost; teaching them to observe all 
things, whatsoever I have commanded you; and Lo 
I aM WITH YOU ALWAY EVEN UNTO THE END OF 
THE wortpD.” Then, in language which stamps in- 
conceivable importance upon the office, he says: ‘‘ He 
that believeth, and is baptized, shall be saved; but 
he that believeth not, shalk be damned.”? When our 
risen Emmanuel “‘ ascended up on high, and received 
gifts for men,’ he gave Pastors and Teachers, as 
well as Apostles, Prophets and Evangelists, “for the 
perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, 
and for the edifying of the body of Christ ; till we all 
come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge 
of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the mea- 
sure of the stature of the fulness of Christ.”” ‘These 
divine testimonies, rendered peculiarly solemn by the 
circumstances that attended them, must acquit from 
arrogance every legitimate minister of the gospel, who 
claims a divine origin for his office. 


The end and design of the gospel ministry in- 
creases its claim to esteem and respect, and our anx- 
iety lest we expose it to contempt. 


In the modest, though expressive title of Servants 
of Christ, his humble ministers delight to be known ; 
but the Holy Ghost, to express the nature of their ser- 
vice, and the design of their appointment, styles 
them ‘‘ pastors and. teachers—bishops, presbyters, 
and overseers—rulers over God’s household— 
stewards of the mysteries of the kingdom of hea- 
ven—labourers in God’s vineyard—builders in 

B 


10 


—= 


his temple—ambassadors of Christ—and work. 
ers together with God.” How justly may we 


tremble while we repeat these titles! “ Workers to- 
gether with God!” Instrumental agents in that plan of 
grace, which combines the most glorious display of 
divine perfection, with the highest happiness of re- 
deemed sinners ; in the execution of which the Son 
of God became incarnate, suffered, bled, and died on 
the accursed tree ; in the application of which, the hu- 
man mind is enlightened, the guilty conscience pacifi- 
ed, and the miserable subject, rescued from the power 
and pollution of sin and Satan, is raised to life, liberty, 
and happiness; of which happy trophies. of this plan 
of grace, an innumerable multitude will eventually be 
presented to God, washed in the Redeemer’s blood, 
and clothed in his righteousness. The Apostle Paul’s 
commission to the Gentiles expressly asserts that 
he was sent ‘‘ to open their eyes, to turn them from 
darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto 
God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and 
inheritance among them that are sanctified by faith 
that is in Christ.”” Not that we are sufficient to these 
things of ourselves; all our sufficiency is of God, who 
alone makes able ministers of the New Testament, 
and instrumental agents in this great design, by com- 
mitting unto them the ministry of reconciliation, ap- 
pointing them to preach the everlasting gospel, to 
explain, illustrate, and enforce its doctrines and du- 
ties, its promises and threatenings, its rewards ‘and 
punishments, and ‘as in Christ’s stead to beseech 
sinners to be reconciled to God.”? To such earthen 
vessels has he committed the treasure of the gospel ; 
and as it once pleased him, by the uncourtly instru- 
ment of rams’ horns, to begin to give his people pos- 


11 


—e 


session of the promised land, so now it pleases him 
“by the foolishness of preaching to save them that 
believe.”? ‘‘ For though the preaching of the cross is 
to them that perish foolishness, to those who are saved, 
it is the power of God.” For in the mystery of 
grace, by the appointment of God, the word received, 
and mixed with faith, works effectually on the heart, 
renovates the mind, transforms the whole man, and 
piety, righteousness, and charity become the ruling 
passions of his soul. 


_ To feed this family of Christ, thus quickened and 
collected, to carry them on to perfection, to minis- 
ter to them the sublimer mysteries of the kingdom of 
heaven, to guide, guard, and comfort them through 
their weary pilgrimage, and to present them at last 
«a chaste virgin to Christ,” is a superadded design, 
and a most delightful office of the Christian min- 


istry. 
_ The instituted influence of the Christian ministry 
shall close its present claim to dignity and respect. 


The time forbids my enlarging upon the mighty in- 
fluence, and astonishing effect of the gospel ministry, 
upon the manners, habits, and state of the world, in 
the first preaching of the Apostles. Oracles were si- 
lenced ; idols were deserted, and their temples demol- 
ished ; superstition, ignorance and error fled ;_ the fero- 
clous passions of men were tamed ; and pride, mal- 
ice, and discord, yielded to order, benevolence, and 
piety. These omitted; where, in later times, has any 
nation obtained a just knowledge of God, or of mor- 
al, relative and social obligation? Where has any peo- 


"12 
ple been favoured with a reformation of life andsman- 
ners,’ or formed to social order and happiness, and 
the Christian ministry has not been the principal in- 
strument ? Where has liberty been enjoyed without 
licentiousness, or government been maintained with- 
out despotism, in the general neglect of religious in- 
stitutions, or contempt of those, who are appointed to 
administer them ? But God hath reserved the highest 
honour to the Christian ministry, in its personaland in- 
dividual influence. When a Roman centurion was 
an object of special mercy, though angels were on the 
wing ministering to him, yet he must send men to 
Joppa, and call for Simon, that the grace and truth, 
by which he and his nine should be saved, might be 
breathed through the lps of a minister of Christ. 
And when the great Apostle of the Gentiles was to be 
called into the gospel of God’s dear Son, neither the 
light from heaven, which was above the brightness of 
the sun, nor the accents of Jesus, which accompani-. 
ed that splendour, superceded the necessity of a minis- 
ter of peace to complete the work so miraculously be- 
gun. I dare not say that men have not been brought 
to that ‘knowledge of God, and of Jesus Christ, which 
is life eternal,’’ where a gospel ministry was either n neg- 
lected or not enjoyed; but, it is presumed, the in- 
stances are very rare, in which persons have obtained 
a rational and comfortable persuasion of their title to 
heaven and happiness, and have supported that per-. 
suasion by a life of uniform piety and righteousness, 
who have not found themselves greatly indebted to 
this gracious institution. This view of the ministry’ 
is happily described by a modern English poet, who 
will be read with pleasure so long, as there is a friend — 


18 


— 


to correct sentiment, or a lover of evangelical piety in 
the world. With this description I would close this 
branch of my subject. 


“ The pulpit, therefore, (and I name it, fill’d 

With solemn awe, that bids me well beware 
- With what intent I touch that holy thing ;) 

The pulpit (when the sat’rist has at last, 

- Strutting and vap’ring in an empty school, 
Spent all his force and made no proselyte) 
I say the pulpit (in the sober use 
Of its legitimate peculiar powers) 
~ Must stand acknowledg’d, while the world shall stand, 

The most important and effectual guard, 
Support, and ornament of virtue’s cause. 
There stands the messenger of truth. There stands 
The legate of the skies. His theme divine, 
His office sacred, his credentials clear. 
By him, the violated law speaks out 
Its thunders, and by him, in strains as sweet 
As angels use, the gospel whispers peace.” 
He ’stablishes the strong, restores the weak, 
Reclaims the wanderer, binds the broken heart, 
And, arm’d himself in panoply complete 
Of heav’nly temper, furnishes with arms, 
Bright as his own, and trains by ev’ry rule 
Of holy discipline, to glorious war, 
The sacramental host of God’s elect. 
Are all such teachers? would to Heav’n all were !”* 


But dignity of station does not make the man; nor 
will elevation of office, weight of responsibility, or sa- 
credness of character secure from contempt, where cor- 
responding qualifications, and a congenial spirit and 
deportment are wanting. As in painting, the brightest 
pround most readily discovers the slightest soil, se 


* Cowper. 


14 


— 


folly in high places gives emphasis to shame. ** And 
as dead flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to 
send forth a stinking savour, so does a little folly hina 
that is in reputation for wisdom and honour.” 


Upon the qualifications necessary to secure the 
office of the ministry, or the character of the minister 
from contempt, the time forbids me to descant. _ Per- 
mit me summarily to observe, that to introduce igno- 
rance or indevotion, infidelity or fanaticism, immorali- 
ty or impiety into the sacred function, is to outrage 
allrules of propriety, and insult the common feelings 
of mankind ; and to clothe with the priestly garments 
a heart undeyoted to God, destitute of his fear, in 
rebellion against his authority in his written word, and 
unacquainted with his love and grace by Jesus Christ, 
is to lay a foundation for habitual farce, folly and 
infamy. The necessity of great care and watch- 
fulness, as we would guard against contempt, is 
not, however, superceded by the possession of the 
most desirable qualifications. The men of the world, 
though destitute of the spirit, and incapable of discern- 
ing the mysteries of our holy religion, are accurate 
judges of propriety, and readily feel what it demands 
of those, who are put in trust with the gospel, and with 
the souls of men, and they readily discern the first 
symptoms of our “halting.” 


_ Upon a careless and negligent preparation for the 
public duties of our office, an inattention to the lan. 
guage and address with which we approach the throne 
of grace, or deliver the messages of the most High, it 
is superfluous to say any thing, in this age of philologi- 


15 


= 


eal improvement, and in this region of literary polish 
and refinement. Nor would I willingly provoke the 
too just retort: ‘‘ Physician, heal thyself.” But in our 
care to avoid Scylla, are we in no danger from Charyb- 
dis? May not the sons of the prophets, by directing 
their principal attention to the science of words, and 
their principal energies to the beauties of style, and the 
elegances of composition, be in some danger of leaving 
their discourses empty of sentiment, destitute of solid 
doctrinal, practical, and experimental instruction? 
Will such discourses, though they may please the ear, 
and provoke applause, minister food to the mind, 
er comfort to the heart? and in the hour of reflection, 
when the hearer attempts to recollect and review what 
he has heard, will not his successive attempts, like 
those of the Trojan hero, embrace a shadow? Such 
exhibitions, in the view of the pious and discerning, 
convert the sacred desk, designed for dispensing the 
word of life, and delivering the whole counsel of God, 
into a theatre for displaying the talents of the preacher, 
and sounding his own praise. With what emotions 
should we meet the following address from an im- 
mortal soul committed to our charge ? 


“ Will you play tricks— - 
------- in presence of your God? 
Or will you seek to dazzle me with tropes, 
As with the diamond on your lily hand, 
And play your brilliant parts before my eyes, 
When I am hungry for the bread of life ?””* 


In this connection will it be deemed indecorous to 
suggest, whether in our systems of education the dress 


~ 


* Cowper. 


16 


—= 


and ornaments of science do not command greater 
attention and respect, and the solid and vital parts 
less, than they comparatively ought? Shall it be 
thought an object of as high importance to arrange in 
perfect symmetry, and garnish with perfect taste the 
dishes for an intellectual repast, as to furnish them 
with wholesome, savoury, and nourishing food? For 
ministers of the gospel, let the Apostle of the Gen- 
tiles decide. ‘‘I came not to you,” says he to the Co- 
rinthians, ‘‘ with excellency of speech or of wisdom, 
declaring unto you the testimony of God. And my 
speech, and my preaching, was not with enticing 
words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the 
Spirit and of power.” 


As ministers of Christ, we are put in trust with the 
gospel; the sacred scriptures are committed to us as 
our general commission, and rule of faith. In such a 
trust, and with such advantages, to have no establish- 
ed principles of religion, or to conform them scrupu- 
lously to human creeds; to attempt to support them 
“more by the arts of philosophy, the abuse of reason, or 
the subtleties of metaphysics, than by a “‘Tuus sarru 
THE Lorp,” is to merit the contempt of our dis- 
cerning fellow men. 


With studied design to reject the language of 
scripture in our devotional or didactic exercises, to 
fritter down its sublime and mysterious doctrines, or 
to explain away, by subtle and forced interpretations, 
their obvious import, though with the plausible pre- 
text of rendering them more level to human compre- 
hension, or in the charitable hope of conciliating the es- 
teem of the boasters in human reason, is too manifest 


17 


Se 


a declaration, that we-are ashamed of the mysteries of 
the gospel, and that we would compound with God 
in our subjection to his revealed authority. Such 
courtly deference to the wisdom of this world may, 
indeed, conciliate its professed esteem, but it is only, 
as we administer strength to its infidelity, and relax 
the restraints upon its ruling passions. A studied 
neglect of scripture language, or an apparent contempt 
of its plainness and simplicity in performing the offices 
of our sacred function, so that while the Bible furnishes 
us with a text, Plato, Seneca, or Aristotle fills up the 
page, is matter of grief to the pious, and of banter to 
the profane. It is to ‘‘ begin in the Spirit, and to be 
perfect in the flesh.” 


To be unanimated and unengaged in our appropri- 
ate duty; to address our petitions to God and dis- 
courses to men, as if utterly indifferent whether those 
were heard, or these regarded; or to elude as muchas 
possible every occasional opportunity of fulfilling our 
ministry, or of beseeching sinners to be reconciled, 
gives reason to suspect, that we have taken the minis- 
try by ‘‘constraint,’’ and not ‘willingly, for filthy lu- 
cre, rather than with a ready mind.” 


As ministers of Christ we are not only pastors and 
teachers, but rulers over God’s household, and must 
maintain the, discipline, which he has instituted. 


In this arduous duty we should so combine can- 
dour with courage, piety with prudence, and an impres- 
sive sense of the authority of God with compassion to 
men, that no room should be left for despising our re- 


G 


_¥8 
proofs, nor suspicion excited that we “have = 
sia in admiration because of ager de repel 


But the minister of Jesus must dcccusiiadiiiade 
public duties of his elevated station, and ‘tread the 
walks of common life. Though he is not of the 
world, yet he is in it, and must mingle ‘in its diversifi- 
ed duties and trials... Like Moses he should descend 
with a commanding lustre upon him, and throw the 
light of his doctrines, and. the force of his persuasion 
into his whole temper, spirit, and deportment. That 
minister, who, when in the desk seems as ifthe knew 
nothing but Jesus Christ and him crucified, and de+ 
sired nothing but to espouse souls to him, and form 
them to his likeness, and, when out of it, conducts 
as if he were an utter stranger to his character and 
example, gives the ministry the deepest wound, _ 
its adversaries their loudest triumph. 


No man, that goeth this warfare, should unnecessa; 
rily entangle Liemelfed in the affairs of this life; nor 
give to any pursuit, foreign to his profession, such a 
share of his time or attention, as to excite the slight- 
est suspicion, that +his office is a smecure, and its du- 
ties objects of secondary consideration. Still less 
should scenes of amusement, the pleasures of the pal- 
ate, the parade of life, or any other species of: personal 
gratification, have power to divert him from the call. of 
professional duty, or render him inattentive to ) the 
slightest whisper of distress from the chambers of 
sickness, or the abodes of sorrow. The Apostle, 
having enumerated. the leading duties of the ministry, 
charges Timothy ‘to 'give himself wholly to them, 
that his profiting might appear untoall.” 


d9 
—e 


A minister, who. receives his conamission from,that 
perfect character, who when on earth said, ‘‘who 
made mea judge or divider over you,” should. never 
be a partizan in any cause, nor a zealot in any thing, 
but the honour of his Master, and the salvation of sin- 
ners; yet, upon every subject, as its importance de- 
mands, or reason and religion will aid him, he ought 
to be concerned to form an opinion, and when con- 
science requires, “either his own, or another’s,” he 
ought to be neither afraid, nor ashamed to avow it. 
That minister can scarcely fail to magnify his office 
and command respect, who constrains those who see 
him, and who know him best, to repeat this eulogy : 
**behold. an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!” 
And that minister, who gives just suspicion that this 
eulogy would be misapplied, deserves opprobrium, 
and must meet disgrace. In fine, possessing the benev- 
olence and charity of a John, the fidelity, firmness, zeal, 
and fervour ofa Paul, the purity and righteousness of a 
James, crowned with the meekness and gentleness of 
Christ, the minister of the gospel should be “‘an example 
to the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in 
spirit, in faith, in purity,” and with modest assurance 
be able to say: “brethren, be ye followers of me, 
and mark them that walk so, as you have us for an ex- 
ample,” Such character and conduct will command 
respect, will silence obloquy, or destroy its force, 
The undisguised sentiments of the human heart are 
happily expressed by the poet, to whom I have been 
already repeatedly indebted. 


T yenerate the man, whose heart is warm, 
Whose hands are pure, whose doctrine and whose life 
Coincident, exhibit lucid proof 


20 
pe ll 
That he is honest in the sacredcause. © 9 
To such I render more than mere respect, § = > 
Whose actions say that they respect themselves.” . _ 


The time admonishes me to close. The many 
practical reflections, which the subject suggests, I 
must leave to the hours of devotional retirement, and 
solicit your indulgence for the addresses ead on 1 these 


occasions, 


For the plainness and freedom, the ribaitetidiged 
aspect of the preceding remarks, the candour of my 
Fathers and Brethren in the ministry will admit, as 
some apology, the relation in which the speaker 
stands to the youth, who is this day. candidate for 
ministerial investiture. You know ‘the: heart of a 
parent. This anxious busy thing could scarcely be 
diverted from the image of a. son, while professedly 
addressing superiours in age and standing, For the of, 
fice of a censor he must be peculiarly unqualified, who 
needs so broad a mantle as the speaker, to cover his 
own faults. But clothed as we are, my brethren, 
with an office from heaven, combining in its design 
and influence the glory of God, and the salvation of 
men ; living, as we do, in an age of infidelity and bold 
speculation, where principles that have been deemed 
self evident are denied, and practices that have receiy- 
ed the sanction of earth and heaven are violated ; when 
the foundations of moral and social obligation are at- 
tempted to be shaken, and the throne of Deity itself as- 
sailed; will exhortations to firmness, or admonitions 
to caution from any source, be deemed ill timed or im- 
proper? Circumstanced as we are at this day, fi 
causes too delicate to be mentioned, ‘with eyes in high 
places surveying our whole deportment, will it be 


21 


See 


censured as unseasonable to stir up the pure minds of 
ministers with a remembrance of the counsels and 
cautions of their divine Master, repeated and enforced 
by his inspired Apostles? ‘God has counted us 
faithful,” we trust, ‘‘in putting us into the ministry,” 
and has not sent us this warfare without his divine 
panoply ; yet, let us not forget that we are men, “sub- 
ject to like passions as other men,” liable to impres- 
sions from external objects, and to have our course un. 
suspectedly affected by the tides through which 
we must steer. We are put in trust with the 
scriptures, have the treasure of the gospel committed 
to us, and are set for its defence. In the discharge of 
our duty, we are to explain the way of life, to beseech 
sinners to be reconciled to God, and by doctrine and 
example lead the way to heaven. Let us never 
-preach for doctrines the commandments of men, nor 
sit at any instructer’s feet, but those of Jesus Christ, 
‘Let the scriptures employ our studies, and command 
ourhomage. Let us ‘‘stand in God’s counsel, as we 
would turn sinners from their iniquities,’’ and “ stu. 
dy to approve ourselves to him, workmen that need 
not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of 
truth, and giving to every one his portion in due sea. 
son.’? With the meekness of wisdom, and the free- 
dom of conscious integrity, let us ‘‘ declare the whole 
counsel of God, and make full proof of our minis- 


try.” 


In our descent from the mount, and return to the walks 
of social life, let the bold and expressive metaphors, 
by which the Saviour has been pleased to describe our 
office and character, be honoured and explained by 
eur whole deportment. Let our light enlighten 


others, and the savouriness of our conversation render 
others savoury. Thus, though our office be sacred, 
our duty arduous, our temptations’ many, our con- 
flicts severe, and our success small, we may hope to 
retire from the stage with the triumph of an elder 
brother: ‘I have fought the good fight, [have finish- 
ed my course, I have kept the faith ;” and to meet 
this plaudit from our Judge: ‘‘ well done, good and 
faithful servant! enter thou into the joy of thy 
Lord. e : 


initia with the hope of this happy ou and 
relying on the promise of sufficient grace, may the 
candidate for ordination, with modest confidence, Ee 
pare to gird on the ministerial armour. 


MY SON, 
THE day has arrived, in which you are to be com- 
pletely invested with that office, divine in its origin, 
important in its design, and beneficial in its influence, 
of which you have been emulous from your earliest 
years, and which you have kept in view in your litera- 
ry pursuits. While I have endeavoured to restrain 
your ardour, and check the rapidity of your course, 
motives of concern for the honour of the ark, and for 
your reputation and comfort influenced my conduct. 
But a power paramount to all human influence has 
cast the die; I bow submissive : “ God’s will be 


done.”’ 


In the hours of parental instruction, when my 
speech and affection “distilled upon you as the 
dew,” you have often heard me suggest the cheer- 
ing satisfaction, with which I presented you at the bap- 
tismal font, washed you in the name of the sacred 


23 


ee 


Trinity, and enrolled you among the members of 
Christ’s visible family ;, would to God, I might now 
lead you, with the same cheering experience, to the al- 
tar of God, and “lend you to the Lord so long as you 
shall live.” But+the days are past, in which you may 
depend upon the offering of aparent. “To your own 
Master you stand or fall.” God grant the response : 
** he shall be holden up, for God is able to make him 
stand.” 


You have heard something of the dignity, design, 
and beneficial influence of the ministerial office, and 
of the danger of exposing it to blame, and yourself to 
contempt. The feelings of a father would dictate to 
add much to what has been already said, but com- 
passion to the feelings of the audience constrains me 
to desist. ‘The train of providences, my Son, which 
have opened to you the solemnities of this day, 
though demanding grateful acknowledgments, should 
excite humble inquiry ; “for what are you, or what 
your house, that'God has brought you hitherto?” An 
effectual door is opened to you, and you have not 
many adversaries. Enter the sacred dome with rev- 
erence and humility, relying on the proffered aid of 
the Holy Spirit, and on the promised presence of our 
divine Emmanuel. ‘‘ Let no man despise thy youth.” 
“Shun youthful lusts.” Rise superiour to the vain 
customs, fashions, and fripperies of this passing 
world ; and remember you are put in trust with the 
gospel, and with the souls of men, for whom you must 
watch, as one that must give an account. But whith- 
er is my fond anxiety again hurrying me ?—I com- 
mend you to God and the power of his grace, and with 
all the Father in my tongue, pray for the “ good will of 


SA. 


24, 


ee 


him who dwelt in the bush, and for the blessing that fell 
upon the head of Joseph, and upon the top of the head 
of him that was separated from his brethren.” May 
no dreams of pre-eminence, nor coat of maiy colours, 
expose you to the contempt or envy of your breth- 
ren. While you seek their welfare, may your unsus - 
cious years never be ensnared. by their wiles. ny 
you never learn the language of the court of Pharaoh, 
nor sully the honour of an Israelite indeed; but may 
God make you instrumental, in the years of famine, 
* of saving multitudes of souls by the bread of life; so 
that, whether I come and see you, or being absent Thear 
of your affairs, I may hear that you stand fastin the faith, — 
striving for the furtherance of the gospel of Christ. “i 


Indulge me a few moments in an aci@eans setbe 
Church and Society usually Worn inthis 


paar, ‘em play 


BRETHREN AND FRIENDS, 


DISTANCE of residence forbad me to mines my 
tears with yours under those melancholy providences, 
which, in too quick succession, called from your head 
your spiritual fathers, and covered you with sackcloth ; 
but the shock in their death to religion and learning, 
virtue and friendship, was too great not to be felt at the 
remotest distance. The ways of God are dark and in- 
tricate, his judgments are a great deep; but wisdom 
and piety demand that we bow, worship, and adore. 
Different emotions, but scarcely less impressive, has 
the train of providences excited, which have opened. to 
you the prospects of this day, and harmonized so 
numerous and respectable a society in the choice of a 
successor to such resplendent talents. sit Pes, 


, 13 

‘The heart of a F: ather, alias to the interests of a Son, 
and. it is hoped not ‘indifferent to the honour of the 
ae recoiled from the idea of his commencing his 
| attempts upon so public a theatre, and be- 
fore so o enlightened an audience; and the hope that 
greater experience and longer delay would render him 
more equal to the duties of the ministry, and more 
wortliy. the esteem and respect of his fellow men, in- 
ducéd. me to yield with reluctance to your early re- 
quest to hear him as a candidate. But since your 
¢andour and charity have silenced my. scruples, and 
your affection and judgment are become surety for the 
youth, and he himself has said he will go with you, I 
yield him to your request ;. mingling grateful acknow- 
ledgments with ardent wishes, that you may find your 
hopes and expectations realized, and in him receive 
am ascension gift from Christ, that shall be a lasting 
blessing to’you and to your children. 


Your politeness and attention, your liberality and 
munificence to former pastors, are a pledge and assur- 
ance, that my Son will be with you without worldly 
fear or carefulness; but parental anxiety suggests 
whether, from this generous source, dangers may not 
arise, though different in their nature, and less formid- 
able in their attack, not less destructive in their ten- 
dency and issue. The youth of your pastor elect, his 
inexperience. in the duties of his profession, a slender 
¢onstitution, and. delicate health, require that. he 
should be master of his own time, and rigidly careful in 
- the means'of preserving his strength, Your friendship 
and,affection will excuse. that inattention to civilities, 
which, these sical: adi dsinieal will render 


SAT! 


26 
If, in his public performances; 3 your’ pastor pastor has the 


power to please, and the happiness to ea let your 
emotions issue in thanksgivings to God, and “not * 
praisesto men, ‘“¢ A man that flattereth his neight 
spreadeth, a net for his feet.”” fh. , et 


The werkt upon which your sieatoe is entering is ar- 
duous, the station is elevated, the dangers “and dis- 
couragements many. Strengthen his hands, and en- 
courage his heart, by a diligent attendance on his 
ministry, a ready reception of the word of truth, and 
an exemplary conformity to the doctrines and duties, © 
which he derives from the Holy Scriptures; and con~ 
firms by a ‘thus saith the Lord.” Especially bear 
him up by the arms of faith and prayer. Remember 
him always in your devotional seasons. » Would to 
God there might not be a prayerless family in his 
charge, nor an individual, a‘ stranger to the rational. 
duties of the closet, or the sublime pleasure of co ia 
munion with God. May God have you and } 
pastor within his holy keeping. May God Shed 
down upon you unitedly his celestial dews, “ that } you 
may be like a watered garden, and like a spring of : 
water, whose waters fail not.” : 


To this whole assembly I say, yet not I, - the 
Lord: ‘‘He that receiveth a ‘ophail in the name 
of a prophet, shall receive a prophet’s reward.” 
“He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life 
and he that believeth not ‘the Son shall not see life, 
but the wrath of God abideth on him.” ‘To rescue 
from z/is wretchedness, and secure that glorious prize; 
is the gracious design of the gospel ministry, and of 
the patience of God in its continuance. ‘“‘ Take heed. 


27 

then, brethren, that you receive not this grace of God 
in vain.” Let your cordial belief of the messages 
of the gospel render the ‘‘ preaching of the cross the 
power of God to your salvation.”” Then will the 
ministers of Christ ‘‘be a savour of life unto life” to 
your souls, and you will be their joy, even as they will 
be yours, in the day of the Lord Jesus. _ 


AMEN. 


EE 2S Ser, 


tr’ PS RE Gata 
EAU ROME Pa Pep 


mor Dofiy ant eae “Aiko wt 
meh) FORTE ae) 

: ote ak ats aa 
Boyar are 


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4 
fi hie 
bse 
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1 
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dab biidy ia as ait’ + ih na se Me reanaly ie 
nti Wai doe Way a hy eee ee 


“THE - CTARGE, 


‘s why + cee oak ‘yy 


BY. THE REY. MR. CUSHING OF: WALTHAM. 


es Chige beta assigned to me, in performing 
that service, you will permit me, Rev. Sir, to be your 
friendly monitor on this interesting occaston. 


. i Phar his ediveraines providence God has called you to 
an honourable, but arduous office. Gifts are requisite 
to qualify you for it, grace, to animate you to dis- 
charge it faithfully. Would you adorn the sacred 
character, cover earnestly the best gifts; those of 
knowledge, of utterance, of prudence. Raise your 
heart to the Father of lights, in humble, fervent sup- 
plication, that he would furnish you’ with these, and 
every other good and perfect gift. As these are to be 
expected through the blessing of God on ‘the usé of 
means, join to your prayers arese application to stidy. 
Meditate on divine things, g7ve thyself wholly to them, 
that thy profiting may appear to all. Give attendance to 
reading. Study those books, which most tend to increase, 
in you the dispositions and abilities. proper for your 
office. But make the Bible your principal study ; ; for 
when rightly understood: and improv ed, it is able to 
make the man of God perfect, thor, mel iit “ished: unto 
every good word and work. 


If we are well acquainted with the abot ines ef the 
gospel, and the arguments that support them ; if we 
understand the duties of the christian hfe, the mo. 


30 
ee _ 


tives that enforce them, the hinderances of their prac prac- 
tice, and the best’method of removing these hinder- 
ances, we may, by manifestation of the truth, commend 
ourselves to. men’s consciences in the sightiof Gad.: « 


Be equally diligent-to shine-in every holy disposi- 
tion. Forthis purpose, live a life of faith on the Son 
. of God. . Abide in. him, and. ever FY Me upon hin 

for all needful supplies of divine influence. — 
will you feel your Master’s work a delight, ord wil 
vigorously exert your abilities for the. glory ‘of God, 
and the good of man. Your sermons ‘will be’ salfip. 
tural and serious, your prayers’ fervent, your? pri- 
vate conversation will naturally tarn to subjects good — 
for the use of edifying, and your life, as well as doc- 
trine, will point out the path to pairitic >, AoIoe ES 


, 


With pure and upright aver diye pied to 
the service of God in the gospel of Jesus Christ, 
Take the oversight of the flock willingly, of a ready 
mind. Expect your reward from God only. The 
Jon gest life quickly hastens toa period, Your time for 
service swiftly passes away, and will soon be i irrecov- - 
erably gone; therefore work the al? - him that sends 
you, while it is 4s 


Make full proof of thy ministry. Preach wih 
geprove, rebuke, exhort with all long-suffe ring. 
qdeavour to be well acquainted with the circumstan 
and dispositions of your hearers, their ~ dices 

against religion, and the rocks on which their souls’ 
are in most hazard of perishing. esse ba 
courses to their yarious necessities. Study to shew 
thyself approved unto God, a workman. that needeth not 


is. 


31 


—_————_———— 


to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 
Seek out and set in order acceptable words, that you 
may minister grace to the hearers. | 


Take heed to yourself, as well as to your doc- 
trine.- Let your life evince your belief of the doc- 
trines you preach, Win the affections of all by an 
obliging, affable deportment ; and by maintaining a 
suitable dignity of character, preserve their. esteem. 
The servant of the Lord must not strive, but be gentle 
zo all men; patient, in meekness instructing those that 
oppose themselves, if God peradventure will give them 
repentance to the acknowledgment of the truth. But 
though meekness should temper your zeal, remember 
that zeal in return should enliven your meekness. 


You, dear Sir, are set for the defence of the gos- 
pel, in a day, in which the peculiar doctrines of chris- 
tianity are denied and opposed, and. a tender, circum- 
spect behaviour ridiculed by some, who value them- 
selves as standards of genius or politeness. In such 
a day, you will exert your courage and strength to 
stem that torrent of vice and infidelity that is spreading 
_ far and wide. Contend earnestly for the faith once de-. 
livered to the saints. 


Suffer me, my friend and brother, to solicit your 
attention to the examples of the Apostles, especially 
the example of our Lord and Saviour; advert to 
their unremitting zeal in the cause of truth, and 
the service of immortal souls. Should desponding 
thoughts at any time arise in your mind, call in the 
aids of Christian faith and hope; call up the no- 
ble principles of, love to Christ and his gospel; 


hat it ui uctieees 


alas ayeG8. 8 30:.:t9ry ehdiouah 
¢ wilt. seentens Re ft vidas. pre « 
0!) Samat! sora tascerne vi. tap! tigi 
My Traits | OR tw: 

wee WL do s54cieh ‘o¢ 
CAD pe Habel 
vie hy eV aR, 
tinh Qubaeou if 
shu «heh wig ALY 


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ES 4 Par 
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aK “4 yh 
yeh dal iee- 3 
Pt eek ae eg j 
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Wiss Bi ?2) 4 fi 1 
cee aytt y is ‘ 
ee Rete a4 f bes 


- we 


eeey——e——————————e—E—EEEEE—————————— EEE 
THE 
RIGHT HAND OF FELLOWSHIP, 
BY THE REV. MR. EMERSON. 


— - 


Tae kingdom of Jesus Christ, in its constitu- 
tion and. laws, and in the temper, manners, and 

discipline | of its subjects, is essentially different 
oms of this world. The spirit of the 
oud and tyrannical ; that of the gospel unas- 
suming and mild. Earthly empires are commonly 
founded by ambition, and cemented with blood ; but 
the basis of the christian religion is humility, and its 
superstructure is love. YE KNow THAT THEY 
WHICH ARE ACCOUNTED TO RULE OVER THE GEN- 
TILES EXERCISE LORDSHIP OVER THEM; AND 
THEIR GREAT ONES EXERCISE AUTHORITY UPON 
THEM; BUT SO IT SHALL NOT BE AMONG YOU: 
BUT WHOSOEVER WILL BE GREAT AMONG YOU 
SHALL BE YOUR MINISTER; AND WHOSOEVER OF 
YOU WILL BE CHIEFEST SHALL BE SERVANT OF 
ALL. FOR EVEN THE SON OF MAN CAME NOT To 
BE MINISTERED UNTO BUT TO MINISTER, AND TO 
GIVE His LIFE A RANSOM FOR MANY. CALL No 
MAN YOUR FATHER UPON THE EARTH; FOR ONE 
Is YOUR FATHER WHO IS IN HEAVEN. NEITHER 
BE YE CALLED MASTERS; FOR ONE 1S YOUR MAS- 
TER EVEN CHRIST, AND ALL YE ARE BRETHREN. 
The nature of christianity, and the rights and duties 

E 


84 


+ 
of om are we fully developed; ‘nor uld 
the folios of a hundred St. Augustines 

more perfectly. By these everlasting statutes of our 
Lord, it not only appears ‘to be the privilege and:glory 
of the christian to exercise his own reason in the 
‘concerns of religion ;* but it is also manifest, that oth. 
er jurisdiction over the conscience, than that of Jesus 
Christ, is utterly needless. a 


ae what plirpbse, then, my ten, tae we web 
sembled in this house of prayer, and observed the 
forms of solemn ordination ? Not to show ha' he y 
dominion over your faith, but that we are 
your joy.. As elders and | messengers of ther 
‘€s we. come hither, not to prescribe the a 
your ereed, or the modes of your. worship, EX 
press our joy in beholding your order, and and the stead- 
fastness of your faith in Christ; not to ‘dictate or 
overrule your choice of a teacher, but to recognize 
him whom yourselves have elected, and to salute him 
in the name of the Lord. sesh 

; 2 Sab: sonst 

I therefore, Rev. Sir, in the name, and by direction, 
of my fathers and brethren in the ministry, composing 
this council, give you the hand of christian fellowship. 
Receive it as a sign of your equality with us, as to all 
the privileges of a christian bishop. It is a ‘pledseor 
our future counsels and aid in fulfilling your duties, ‘of 
our satisfaction in your abilities, confidenee in your 
integrity, joy in your prospects, and hope in your 
success. ’ We) - 


<> eas eR eT 


There is ‘also vedi bacnti ty my brotha 
apostolic ceremony. You now put a seal upon the 


—=—— 


performances ofthe day: We hold you, obliged -by 
this Tite, pot indeed to. make determinations yn- 
authorized, by, the, scriptures, but. to. be; disinterested 
and , ardent in search of truth, and at‘once bold. and. 
prudent! in. maintaining it, » We de not.consider you 
henceforth as pledged to accompany us in our specula- 
tions; or to believe us infallible in all,we teach, . But 
we do think you obliged to be fair aid manly in con: 
troverting our Opinions,, just in restraining your par- 
tialities; and candid in judging of our talents and prin- 
ciples. Especially are’you hence bound. to cooperaté 
with us continually: in pulling down the strong holds 
of ‘infidelity and vice, and in building up the imterests 
of ‘piety, order, and) holiness, which are the cause 1 
God’ and! of Christ. 

‘ by h ic if] 

In the full persuasion, ail ryatig bosom swells with 
these benevolent designs, we leave you with our best 
wishes and’ our fraternal benediction. May the God 
of your fathers bless you, May’xe, who erst hallow: 
edthe lips of the youthful Isaiah, touch your tongué 
withthe fire of celestial eloquence, May your words 
ever carry conviction and reproof to the sinner, and. be 
full. of consolation to the saint. | With that wisdom, 

which. is'grey hair'to a man, and the unspotted life, 
which. is ‘old-age; may you attain the end of life very 
longbefore called: to leave it, and finally exchange 
your labours in the church upon earth for a crown of 
eternal glory ! iy 
’ Beloved brethren of this church and congregation. 
With the transactions of the present hour you naturally 
associate the events of other years. You call to mind 


36° . 
the history of your society, which has existed more than: 
acentury. With gratitude to Providence, you reflect 
upon its flourishing state under the care ofaCozE Many 
venerable for his piety and learning ; of a CoorzEn; ' 
eminently useful and beloved ; of his son and Succés: ‘ 
sor,* whose talents, literature, patriotism, and urbani-" 
ty, rendered him not only the boast of the church, but, 
an ornament to his country ; and of the late eloquent - 
and beneficent THacHER, whose charming accents , 
still vibrate in our ears, and whose. memory will never. : 
be erased from our hearts. When this burning and. 
shining light was extinguished, our path also wasdark- . 
ened, and we were in heaviness through our affliction, 
And God is our witness, that we have not ceased to 
make mention of you in our prayers, that he would 
not always leave you as sheep having no shepherd ; 
but that he would give you a pastor after his heart. 


Such a gift, in answer to -your and our. supplica- 
tions, we trust, he is bestowing upon you, Behold 
the young servant of ‘the Lord whom you have chos, 
en, the shepherd who comes to gather you in his ten- 
der arms to the fold of Christ, and to carry your lambs 
in his bosom! Verily this is the day which the Lord 
hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. Let 
this day be joyful, let no darkness rest upon it.| Let 
God regard it from above, and letno cloud of oorgpens 
nor shadow of grief, obscure its splendour. > 


Why should I dissemble, brethren, my hace 
ble emotions on this occasion? Or deny that, oa 
contrasting my offices in this holy desk, I number the 


* Rev. Samuel Cooper, D. D. 


—— a a 


37 

a 
present among the happiest moments of my life? 
You have often made me a mourning witness of 
your afflictions ; and Ihave sometimes tried to soothe 
those wounds in your hearts, which God only can’ 
heal. But never before has it fallen to my lot to of. » 
fer you such sincere and pleasing congratulations ; 
nor can I forbear to repeat them in the language of in- © 
spiration. ARISE, SHINE, FOR THY LIGHT Is 
COME, AND THE GLORY OF THE LORD IS RISEN 
UPON THEE. SHAKE THYSELF FROM THE DUST, 
© DAUGHTER OF ZION; PUT ON THY BEAUTIFUL 
GARMENTS, FOR THE DAYS OF THY MOURNING 
ARE ENDED. . ; 


— @ Ge 


+o mm we eanonront 3 
You cami | 
ssivooe boiwy egeaitsemoe srvath Ete 
no velo’ bo® ulpidter eatisoed's 
vo obtol yee of neatTit 3 oo 
Pamoital hirrynys 
ou Wo agae gest off of 108 
at THO IS nT. Bekvall ot ry 


x sentavon ¥ieT 1 ieee) 


lJ 
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Divs. . 252.7) BIZ) ‘SLOLes 


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